Arsenal need to sign a proven striker in the form of Karim Benzema to mount a serious title challenge next season. [Picture: Getty]

Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema could be put on hold with news of the striker suffering a thigh injury.

This report is according to the club’s official website per the Daily Mail who claims the striker could miss the start of the season after being diagnosed with a thigh injury.

Real Madrid’s official website revealed that the Arsenal target will undergo further evaluation on the muscular complaint, but could be set to miss the club’s curtain-raiser clash against Sporting Gijon on August 23.

Benzema, 27, has been heavily linked to Arsenal this summer, with reports of bids been kicked back and forth by the two clubs in recent weeks.

However, latest news of the player’s injury might see the Gunners take a step backward in their bid to bring the proven striker to north London this summer.